Donald Cerrone, widely known in the MMA world as “Cowboy,” has built a legacy defined by fearless fighting, relentless activity, and an authentic personality that fans love. From his roots in Colorado to a storied UFC career that features highlight-reel finishes and barnburner showdowns, Cerrone embodies the fighting spirit both inside and outside the Octagon. This article breaks down everything you need to know about Donald Cerrone, from personal and professional milestones to fight purses, sponsorships, and more.
Donald Cerrone’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Donald Anthony Cerrone |
| Nickname(s) | Cowboy |
| Born | March 29, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years |
| College | Air Academy High School |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Salary | Approx. $200K per fight |
| Spouse | Lindsay Cerrone |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| @cowboycerrone |
Early Career
Donald Cerrone began his martial arts journey in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. He was drawn to combat sports at a young age, first delving into bull riding and later kickboxing.
Cerrone racked up a strong Muay Thai record before shifting to MMA, quickly finding his groove in regional promotions. His technical striking and unbreakable will made him stand out, eventually leading him to sign with the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) organization in 2007, setting the stage for his rise to fame.
Professional Career
Donald Cerrone’s professional career is synonymous with activity, excitement, and toughness. After emerging as a top lightweight contender in WEC, Cerrone joined the UFC when the organizations merged in 2011. He’s best known for stacking up a record number of wins, performances, and finishes in UFC history, fighting everyone from Charles Oliveira to Tony Ferguson.
Cerrone’s versatile skillset—highlighted by crisp striking, dangerous submissions, and resilience—made him a perennial threat in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Always ready for a challenge, Cerrone delivered memorable performances and stepped in on short notice countless times, earning the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike.
Even as he transitioned into the latter stages of his career, the “Cowboy” spirit—fighting fearlessly and without pretense—remained unchanged, solidifying his status as one of MMA’s most beloved veterans.
Wife
Donald Cerrone is married to Lindsay Cerrone. The couple has been together for several years and are parents to one son, Dacson Danger Cerrone. Donald frequently shares family moments on his social media, demonstrating how important his wife and son are in his life.
Donald Cerrone’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Donald Cerrone’s estimated net worth stands at around $10 million. His wealth comes from a combination of fight purses, performance bonuses, endorsements, business ventures, and outside-the-cage opportunities, such as appearances in movies and commercials.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Base Purse | Bonuses (if any) | Total Reported |
| Conor McGregor | UFC 246 (2020) | $200,000 | N/A | $200,000 |
| Tony Ferguson | UFC 238 (2019) | $155,000 | N/A | $155,000 |
| Al Iaquinta | UFC Ottawa (2019) | $155,000 | Performance Bonus | $205,000 |
| Mike Perry | UFC Fight Night (2018) | $155,000 | Performance Bonus | $205,000 |
| Alexander Hernandez | UFC Brooklyn (2019) | $155,000 | Performance Bonus | $205,000 |
| Robbie Lawler | UFC 214 (2017) | $155,000 | N/A | $155,000 |
| Jim Miller | UFC Fight Night (2014) | $63,000 | Performance Bonus | $113,000 |
| Eddie Alvarez | UFC 178 (2014) | $80,000 | N/A | $80,000 |
Endorsements
- Budweiser: Known for featuring Cerrone in multiple ad campaigns.
- Monster Energy: Regular sponsor throughout his UFC career.
- Yeti: Outdoor gear brand, fits Cerrone’s cowboy lifestyle.
- Harley-Davidson: Cerrone has been featured in multiple promotional pieces.
- Dethrone Royalty: Clothing and fight wear sponsor.
- Onnit: Supplements and performance products.
- American Ethanol: Fuel company with ties to Cerrone’s ranch.
- Toyo Tires: Appeared in several Toyo Tires campaigns.
- Ranch-Related Gear Companies: Multiple ranching and outdoor brands.
- Personal Clothing Lines: Cerrone has promoted his own apparel.
Career Records
| Opponent | Result/Method | Event |
| Conor McGregor | Loss via TKO (head kick/knee) | UFC 246 (2020) |
| Nate Diaz | Loss via Decision | UFC 141 (2011) |
| Tony Ferguson | Loss via TKO (doctor stoppage) | UFC 238 (2019) |
| Benson Henderson | Win via Decision | UFC Fight Night (2015) |
| Eddie Alvarez | Win via Decision | UFC 178 (2014) |
| Robbie Lawler | Loss via Decision | UFC 214 (2017) |
| Al Iaquinta | Win via Decision | UFC Ottawa (2019) |
| Jim Miller | Win via KO (head kick) | UFC Fight Night (2014) |
| Alexander Hernandez | Win via TKO (elbows) | UFC Brooklyn (2019) |
| Matt Brown | Win via KO (head kick) | UFC 206 (2016) |
FAQs
1. Who is Donald Cerrone?
Donald Cerrone is a retired American mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer, best known for competing in the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions. He holds records for most finishes and most wins in UFC history and is nicknamed “Cowboy” due to his rodeo background.
2. What titles or records does Donald Cerrone hold?
Donald Cerrone is recognized for having the most wins (23) and most finishes (16) in UFC history, along with the most post-fight bonus awards. He never won a UFC title but competed in multiple number-one contender bouts.
3. What is Donald Cerrone’s fighting style?
Donald Cerrone’s fighting style is a combination of Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing. He is known for his technical striking, aggressive combinations, and versatile submissions.
4. What are Donald Cerrone’s biggest career achievements?
Donald Cerrone’s achievements include multiple Fight of the Night bonuses, memorable wins over fighters like Edson Barboza, Benson Henderson, and Mike Perry, and appearances in title eliminator fights. He also fought main events and pay-per-views against some of the sport’s biggest names.
5. When did Donald Cerrone retire from MMA?
Donald Cerrone officially retired from mixed martial arts after his bout against Jim Miller at UFC 276 on July 2, 2022, announcing his retirement in the octagon following his loss.
6. What is Donald Cerrone’s background outside MMA?
Outside of MMA, Donald Cerrone has a background in kickboxing and bull riding. He owns and operates the BMF Ranch in New Mexico, where he trains and mentors young fighters. He has also appeared in movies and television.
7. What was Donald Cerrone’s UFC debut?
Donald Cerrone made his UFC debut on February 5, 2011, at UFC 126, defeating Paul Kelly by submission in the second round.
8. Has Donald Cerrone ever fought for a UFC title?
Donald Cerrone has never held a UFC title but fought for the interim lightweight title against Rafael dos Anjos in December 2015, losing via first-round technical knockout.
9. What is Donald Cerrone’s nickname and its origin?
Donald Cerrone’s nickname “Cowboy” comes from his enthusiasm for bull riding and rodeo activities. He carries the persona inside and outside the octagon, often seen wearing cowboy hats and boots.
10. What has Donald Cerrone done post-retirement?
Since retiring, Donald Cerrone has focused on his family, ranch life, acting roles in movies and television, and promoting and training young fighters at the BMF Ranch.